Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, used the annual Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, North Dakota, as an opportunity to unveil his national energy policy. READ MORESHARE

John Gerdes, managing director and head of research for the KLR Group, believes that the end of the low-oil-price environment is near and that the Bakken is ideally situated to play a significant role in the industry's comeback. READ MORESHARE

Whiting President and CEO Jim Volker told attendees at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference that North Dakota was one of the best run states for the oil and gas industry. He also outlined the company's hedging plans for 2016.READ MORESHARE

Jay Ottoson, president and CEO of Denver-based SM Energy, is providing the oil and gas industry with an opportunity to communicate with its customers more effectively. He believes it's needed to counter negative messages about the industry. READ MORESHARE

Neel Kashkari wants to know what is happening in North Dakota when he heads to Washington D.C. to help set interest rates in the U.S. Kashkari recently updated Bakken entities on his role during the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference. READ MORESHARE